Lactitol

Description

1. Product Overview

Lactitol is a high-purity sugar alcohol (polyol) produced via catalytic hydrogenation of lactose, serving as a premium low-calorie bulk sweetener and functional food ingredient. Its primary industrial use spans food & beverage manufacturing (sugar-free confectionery, bakery, dairy, chocolate), pharmaceuticals (osmotic laxative, drug carrier), and specialty chemical applications. The key value proposition is its 30–40% sucrose sweetness with minimal caloric impact, exceptional heat stability for baking, prebiotic benefits for colon health, and superior moisture retention as a humectant. Strategically, lactitol is critical for manufacturers reformulating products to meet global sugar-reduction regulations, clean-label consumer demand, and diabetes-friendly product lines while maintaining texture and shelf-life performance.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical composition: Sugar alcohol (polyol); Molecular Formula: C₁₂H₂₄O₁₁ (anhydrous) or C₁₂H₂₄O₁₁·H₂O (monohydrate); Molecular Weight: 344.31 g/mol (anhydrous) / 362.33 g/mol (monohydrate)

• Purity level/grade: Food grade & pharmaceutical grade; high-purity reference standard quality with batch-to-batch reproducibility; complies with international pharmacopeia standards (USP/EP)

• Physical characteristics:

  • Form: Crystalline powder or granular (anhydrous); monohydrate crystalline

  • Color: White

  • Particle size: Standard industrial granulation (customizable)

  • Density: Bulk density optimized for industrial processing

  • Sweetness: 30–40% of sucrose

• Packaging options: Multi-wall paper bags with PE liner, kraft bags, or bulk flexitanks; 25 kg bags standard; custom bulk packaging available for 20MT orders

• Shelf life: 24 months when stored in dry, cool conditions; stable crystalline form ensures long-term quality

3. Core Industrial Applications

Why lactitol outperforms alternatives: Unlike many polyols, lactitol has negligible cooling effect, superior browning control in baking, better texture in sugar-free chocolate, and proven prebiotic activity. It offers 40% fewer calories than sucrose while maintaining bulk and mouthfeel.

4. Competitive Advantages

This product positions as a strategic sourcing decision for manufacturers requiring regulatory-compliant, scalable sugar-reduction solutions with proven global acceptance.

5. Commercial & Supply Information